1 KINGS 22

AHAB’S REBELLION LEADS TO HIS DEATH IN BATTLE

For three years, Aram and Israel are at peace. In the third year, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, meets with Ahab, king of Israel to form an alliance against Aram and their leader Ben-Hadad.

When deciding if they should attack the city of Ramoth Gilead, Jehoshaphat wants to ask God for guidance. Instead, Ahab asks 400 false prophets for guidance. The prophets encourage Ahab to attack, prophesying that Israel will be successful. Jehoshaphat is resistant to the advance of the false prophets and wants to consult Micaiah, a prophet of God. Ahab hates Micaiah because he has previously delivered bad news to the Israelites.

Micaiah knows the false prophets are lying and warns Ahab and Jehoshaphat not to attack Aram. Micaiah knows the disaster that awaits them if they were to attempt war with Aram. Micaiah is struck by a man named Zedekiah and imprisoned for rebuking Ahab’s plans. Micaiah is confident in God’s wisdom and knows that Ahab will not return from battle alive.

Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes into battle, making him a more obvious target. Ahab, wanting to remain discrete, was deceptive and entered the battle disguised. One of the Arameans shot off an arrow, by accident and without aim, and killed Ahab! No disguise or battle plan is greater than the prophecy of God—His Word always comes to pass!

Jehoshaphat survives the battle and continues to live as a righteous king, following in the footsteps of his father Asa. After Jehoshaphat’s death, his son Jehoram becomes king of Judah.

After Ahab’s death, his son Ahaziah becomes king over Israel. He also follows in his father’s footsteps and becomes increasingly evil and faithless.